‘Our Tax Dollars’ Archives
G8 and G20 Accomplishments, Public View and Impact on Toronto?
Image via Wikipedia Lets review the events of the past few days and see what has been accomplished after spending a billion dollars and having an estimated 19,000 law enforcement officers protecting the summits. Here are the key areas discussed at the summits: The European-turned-global financial crisis. Devastation to trade, [...]
2010 Toronto Mayor Candidates Performance Index
Image via Wikipedia Many of you have seen a significant amount of publicity on Toronto's 2010 municipal election including the two televised mayoral debates on CP24. About 40% of voters are still undecided at this stage so we felt it would be worthwhile to look at this election from a different perspective. Lets assume the main goal is to [...]
Toronto Councillors Donations and Trip to Vienna ?
Image via Wikipedia On April 15, 2010 City Council approved a 5% reduction in the office expense budget of each Councillor until Nov. 30, 2010. This is because 2010 is an election year so each councillor now has an office expense budget of $46,241. If you examine the expenses in the last quarter you can notice questionable expenses. [...]
Toronto Parking and Black List Numbers
Image via Wikipedia The City of Toronto’s collection rate is one of the highest in Canada, approximately 15% of all parking tickets are not collected for a variety of reasons. Over 60 percent of all parking tickets issued in the City of Toronto are issued to vehicles registered in the “905” area. Each day, it is estimated that more [...]
HST – What is taxable now that wasn’t before?
Just a reminder that HST deadline is fast approaching. It is definitely not a joyful occasion since we would all have to pay more taxes. At least you have an opportunity to make some savings before the deadline, which is July 1, 2010. For that, you will need to examine the table to come up with your shopping list. The extra taxes should help pay [...]
Toronto G20 Summit Value?
According to Toronto City website, the G20 submit will produce broad-based benefits for the local community. Toronto's tourism, business, culture and environment leadership will be world spotlight and lasting international business relationships will be developed. Now, lets take a step back and look at the past G20 events, London in 2008 and [...]
The City Action Plan
There are times when you wonder how much of taxes goes towards studies and committees and how effective they are. In June 2006, the Mayor's Economic Competitive Advisory Committee came together to develop a plan of action to make Toronto a global business city. A city that sets the standard for how global cities innovate to solve urban and [...]
Eco-Friendly Taxes on Packaging
Toronto council has approved a program to permit closure of garbage chutes in the selected Toronto residential buildings starting May 1 with the goal of improving the recycling rates. The success of the program will be evaluated a year from now. Some parents may have also hear about eco-school program by Toronto District School Board where [...]
Toronto City Capital Plan for IT
City of Toronto Recommended 10 YR Capital Budget for Information Technology According to the plan, "The 2010 Recommended Capital Budget is funded from debt in the amount of $13.698 million..." 81% of the budget or $38M will go towards replacement of equipment and majority of this equipment likely has a life-span of 3 years, this usually [...]
Canada Taxes Up Fraser Institute
Image via Wikipedia The Fraser Institute Canadian Consumer Tax Index indicates 41.7% of average family's income is now going towards taxes. In 1981, the figure was 40.8% and 1961 it was 33.5%, the latter was the first compiled figure by Fraser Institute. Has anyone noticed an improvement in services that are offered in return? Related [...]
